Randomness

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Hdur, Kindeance

---

“Take care now. Your skin will be fragile after such burns” said Solomon softly enough as Jazdia left as to not inform the others in the room. He spoke just loud enough that Jazdia may have heard him as she disappeared behind the counter through the door. Solomon had no intention of treating her in the dining room, instead recommending a proper room with a door. Still though, it was a good sign that Jazdia was able to take up her own care. He wondered how Yvonne fared in that matter. She remained by the carriage, which felt odd. But should she be resting, it would be best not to disturb her.

After the tea had arrived, the door into the inn opened once again. Petra waltzed in paying no mind to the other patrons along the other table, marching straight to the fireplace. In front of her she held several rolls of bandages and a labeled bottle of a clear liquid. When she reached Solomon, she looked at the empty chair near the building fire.

“Where is the elf?” she asked, placing the items down onto the table. The bottle fell over and rolled into the tea tray. She then took Jazdia’s chair, her body leaning over her knees letting Petra’s spectral upper half to almost appear to be leaning back.

“She is taking care of her wounds. Baker was kind enough to offer up some of his supplies.” said Solomon.

“Then I got all of this for nothing?” Petra asked insistently.

“No, I was in need of these anyway.” replied Solomon, he grabbed the items and put them away into his pack hidden beneath his robe. “I hope there wasn’t any trouble retrieving these.”

“No. the shop keep was too drunk to make any sense of it. If you’re asking, the biggest hurdle was getting in. Shop keep was too inebriated to unlock the door.”

“He was probably closed for the night, I do hope you compensated him for the trouble.”

Petra sighed, her head looking back towards the ceiling. “Yes, I left coin on the counter. Might be his only clue about what happened anyway.”

“That’s good. Thank you for doing that for me.” said Solomon. Solomon decided to wait by the fire place for Jazdia to return. He could see how exhausted Nina was becoming as the night waned on, and didn’t feel like adding more to her sudden evening workload. Besides, she seemed to be having a good time chatting with the siblings at the other table.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Hdur, Kindeance

---

“Is that right? Well then, I hope Baker does not mind.” Said Solomon. “Then I will have supplies enough on hand as needed.” Baker walked out of the inn nearly the same time as they entered. The interior of the inn was warm, homey even. The server girl, Nina was waiting on the couple that entered earlier. Jazdia went to the fire place, setting it up to burn.

Once Nina was away from the other table, Solomon called her over.

“Could I have a roll of bandages, some clean water, and cloth?” Solomon requested.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Hdur, Kindeance

---

“Two hours should be plenty of time.” said Solomon. The night was still young and people were still about finalizing their day. A two hour break felt warranted even thought some of them might of rejected the idea. The Prince’s safety was important, but so was his and everyone else’s comfort. Enduring so much bouncing from the horses for the rest of the trip would not do without a substantial break. Solomon made a small sidestep and faced the carriage once again.

“Petra. Would you procure me some more bandages? Some antiseptics as well if you can find them.” Asked Solomon. Petra crossed her arm, leaning on one leg, a stance if displeasure.

“I am not your courier.” She said exasperated. After a bit she turned and walked away. She waved her right hand up and down loosely as she did so. “Fine.”

“My thanks.” Solomon returned. His attention back with Jazdia, Solomon extended his own hand towards the entrance of the inn. “Shall we?”

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Hdur, Kindeance

---

Solomon mostly kept to himself the entire ride back, engaging in some small talk with Yvonne, mainly about the lengths Cedar went to ensure reinforcements would have a difficult time arriving at Fanghorn. There was plenty of evidence of the damage he caused, much of the remnants looking like those from the keep where August had given the planets a head start.

Travel to Hdur was left mainly in silence. Long ago, the shadows from Pesti had arrived and Solomon spent the remainder of the time compiling the information they had. The mercenary group left Pesti, found Silas, and then went on their way. The lord was too busy dealing with the worries of his people. Many were frightened by the explosion, though thankfully nothing else came up from it. He suspected that news of Fanghorn’s demise would soon reach them and then similarly another envoy sent to the king, suspecting a terrorist attack. At least the party had a head start to inform the king of the events that actually transpired.

As time passed, the shadows cast by the sun slowly covered the path, casting the party in shade. Eventually even the distinct shadows blended as the sunlight disappeared entirely, leaving only the moon and stars to light the sky. With Hdur fast approaching, perhaps it was time for a break. After several hours, surely the riders would be stiff.

Sure enough, they stopped by the inn where they had first reconvened since Kindeance. Solomon dismounted the horse, letting it lap up water from a near trough. Solomon noticed that neither Silas or his men were present. Perhaps they continued forward rather than stop. Cedar went to the inn, and Jazdia seemed content waiting outside. It looks as though a proper break was in order. Petra landed near the cart, staying close to it to avoid as few eyes as possible. It was a good choice given moments later a couple had entered the inn. Curious was their nonreaction to Baker conversing with Cedar.

They were half way home now, and beyond the moment Kirsten met up with Jazdia, there hasn’t been any disturbances or note worthy obstacles. Still though, Solomon was wary. If Silas was to do something, his opportunities were quickly decreasing. Now that the cover of darkness blanketed most of the town, Solomon had each of his shadows accompany his colleagues without revealing themselves and without disturbance. One already was with the prince since Fanghorn. The others went to Yvonne, Cedar, Kaito, Matilda, and Jazdia. Capable Solomon’s allies were, and unlikely something were to happen, but at least now they had another level of sentry. A last resort of sorts to seek help.

With that done, Solomon gave some greeting to Petra, then wandered near Jazdia, “Are not not famished?” he asked, noticing how Jazdia seemed to shy away from Baker’s invitation, “I would recommend a warm meal and water. You’re still recovering and need as much energy as you can get. While we are here, perhaps I can also change your bandages. The inn would offer considerable privacy.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

Solomon crossed his arms as his gaze shifted to Veronica. His silence was enough to answer Veronica’s question. The realization of Chounan’s death and the circumstances around it had garnered a variety of reactions. Unfortunately, circumstances didn’t give any of them much time to grieve let alone process his fate. Furthermore, there was no time to retrieve his body for a proper burial. He was now left with the remainder of the survivors, left to be counted among those they had lost.

“Alright, the horse it is.” said Solomon, he excused himself from Jazdia and moved to where Reinhold was holding the two newly acquired steeds. Since he was told to take the drivers seat, he traded hold of the reins with him. Solomon was able to swing himself over the back of the steed with some difficulty expected of a man of his age. The drapes of his garments covering most of the saddle. He patted the side of the horse’s neck. The horse was gray almost blue. Though Solomon could tell it had been treated though Cedar’s generous magic, it was obvious how close to death the beast was. Once he was settled, he turned his head one way, and then another.

“Petra, if could, keep with the carriage. With your range, you may better assist any direction trouble may appear.” said Solomon. Petra was hovering nearby, but didn’t participate in the conversation. Though she knew of Chounan’s demise, she didn’t know of the circumstances. To her, it didn’t matter. As soon as Solomon’s conversation ended with Jazdia, so did her interest in the matter. She looked at Solomon, sighed, and then slowly flew towards the carriage. She paused a moment as she watched the bear climb up the side of it. It shook and tilted with his weight, but thankfully didn’t tip over.

“Are you comfortable, bear?” she asked, finally approaching the carriage in full. Her spectral head was at the same level as Cedar’s allowing them to look at each other face to face. Or rather, face to ghostly face. Petra’s physical body was more level with the window of the carriage, letting her otherwise perfectly preserved face be in view. For probably the first time Petra smiled, though it was obviously coy. She found amusement in the travel arrangements that had to be made for the party.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

Solomon could tell based on the various reactions from Jazdia that she didn’t agree with many of Solomon’s theories. In part, he couldn’t blame her. There were intricate subtleties that Solomon was not attuned to. Likewise, Jazdia’s last comment lacked the sort of incite that Solomon could recognize. Though dead men told no tales, Solomon could listen beyond such silence. Though none could hear, the dead spoke volumes.

“We are alike in that regard.” said Solomon, “Life is precious and should be preserved.”

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

“I see. He spoke of an internal demon, it could have been this harbored regret.” said Solomon, “Though, I am in agreement with you. For a man of his skill and accomplishments, I wouldn’t have expected him to be affected as such. Or at least not enough to act as he did. One wonders if the Delving maid had somehow influenced his thoughts, if the Delvings are as cunning as you say.”

Solomon paused in thought. All he knew were stories about the house of Delving. This was the first he ever encountered them throughout their entire lives. Capable as they were at such young ages, anything could be possible.

“Then again, from all I’ve heard, he may have finally fell victim to his own emotional turmoil. He may have been suffering from internal conflict this entire time, and we failed to notice in our ignorance.”

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

Though Solomon spent some time with his attempt at saving Chounan, it appeared that the party had not left past the city gate. Despite having all the necessary pieces for departure, none of it was ensembled. Kaito was hooking together the ropes and straps from the carriage to the horses, and Jazdia was riding in circles. Solomon noticed Cedar leaving for another part of town, Reinhold tailing him. It looked as though the old hunter had new life instilled into him, which was comforting to see.

As the shadow quickly approached the carriage, a black formless mass rose from the ground as though it were growing from the earth. Solomon stepped out of it, not worried about potential gazes from bystanders be it of Silas’ men or the townsfolk should any be around. The shadow Solomon stepped from collapsed back into the earth, merging into the natural shade of Solomon’s form cast by the lowering rays of the sun.

“I’ve done all I could. I cannot tell you his reasons, I do not understand them myself. As it stands, I do not believe Chounan will be returning to us.” said Solomon. He then properly faced Jazdia, “I would ask how you’ve come across such knowledge, but I know some of your ways. I assume you informed the others then?”

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

“I understand.” said Solomon briefly before he briskly exited the ruined dining hall. As he did so, he could hear the shuffled movement of the others as they collected their belongs. Packs shifted and armaments rattled as they left the keep one by one. Solomon knew that he might require a little more time than that what Matilda had expected. He couldn’t blame her though, Solomon’s words made it sound as though Chounan still stood among the living. Solomon also knew, otherwise. The only reason he would be able to hear the words of the samurai is if he had fallen.

It did not take long to find Chounan. His figured sat hunched over his own sword, blood dripping from the blade, soaking into the fabric of his trousers. Viscous flow of deep red pools around his face, his eyes closed, almost relaxed as though the pain he just endured meant nothing. It was a strange sight to behold. As Solomon looked over the scene, it was obvious what had happened. It wasn’t an antagonistic ploy, Chounan had decided to do this to himself. Solomon could not fathom why. What regrets could he have to have committed such an act here and now?

Solomon regained his composure as he took several steps forward, dropping to his knees once he reached chounan’s body. He repositioned the samurai, carefully holding the blade to prevent further damage. Though Solomon arrived as quickly as he could, Chounan had already lost so much blood. To further the dire in the situation, Solomon’s supplies were low. He resorted to using the samurai’s own kimono to help with some of the bandaging. Carefully, Solomon removed the blade and sewed the man together again. Though time was ticking, Solomon worked as diligently as he could. He needed to stop further blood loss. When he was finally done, Solomon’s sleeves were soaked in blood. The samurai lay on his back similarly so. The blade that committed the act lay across the room.

When all was said and done, Chounan was still lifeless upon the cold stone floor. If Cedar were here, he could take over and fully heal the stitches. Perhaps then the samurai could have a better chance. As it were, it would take a miracle. One that Solomon could not provide. It irked the necromancer to know that not only was this death preventable, but that Chounan had committed it himself. To make it worse, Solomon lacked the skill and power he needed to circumvent this death.

“You may have chosen this path for your honor...” said Solomon softly. For the moment where Solomon started to treat the wound, Chounan protested from beyond his grave. However, Solomon refused to listen. He did not know of the foreign ways Chounan attempted to explain, and did not care to. However, now that Solomon had expended all he could, it was left to him. “I will not offer you undeath. I do not understand your motivations, but if you find your path unclear, perhaps you may find a way to draw breath once again.”

Solomon slowly stood back up, his hands resting on his own knees for support. Even after all Solomon had done, Chounan lay peacefully upon the ground. Given the best of Solomon’s efforts, Chounan’s body lay stitched and bandaged. One way or another, the choice of life was within the hands of the samurai. Solomon removed the canteen, using the remaining swallows of water to wash his hands of the blood, though his sleeves started to stiffen as the blood coagulated.

Solomon returned to the dining hall. Petra and the shadow that was once above the keep were waiting. There were signs of others, but none could be seen. Even the surface where Reinhold layed was empty.

“They left.” said Petra.

“I know.” replied Solomon somberly. He sighed and turned his head enough that it cracked audibly. “Let us catch up with them. I’ve done all I can.” Solomon then focused as his body turned black as though he were nothing by a silhouette, his figure becoming nondescript. Without any further conversation form either Petra or the shadow, the shadow began to also become nondescript. It enveloped Solomon, their two forms merging into a levitating black mass. Petra finally left from her place near the stairwell and walked out of the keep like the party had done before her. The formless shadow collapsed into the ground, zipping in a straight line out of the keep towards the city gate, where the others would either be near, or not too far past. Petra cast flight on herself, and took to the air just enough to fly in a straight line the same direction. Solomon would arrive with the others first, but Petra would not be too far behind.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Solomon Sparrow

Location: Fanghorn, Kindeance

---

Chounan was taking an arguably deserved nap. The other’s were still in the cellar. He could sense his shadow was still with the prince and Cedar. Solomon wondered what might be holding them. I could predict some distrust, especially from the prince. Though Solomon introduced them earlier, they could still present an air of maliciousness the prince could be wary to. Perhaps they knew of the admiral’s visit. Given the encounters Solomon had heard of those involved in the Delving family, and the encounter he had with them earlier, that was also a possibility. There was a nonzero chance the Admiral had nefarious plans involving the prince. On one hand, Cedar would want to keep them apart, on the other jazdia and Matilda had an understanding of how to go about the admiral’s proposal. It was time to bring everyone to the same page.

Since Yvonne was in and out of being sober and Reinhold was still unconscious, Solomon found that he had more time on his hands. It felt uncomfortable. Though the encounter with admiral Silas was only just minutes ago, it felt like ages. Something nefarious could happen and with everyone separated as they are, he waited to see whether Silas would keep to his word or betray them as they were divided. Perhaps he was thinking too much into it.

Then Matilda returned. Following her was the prince and Cedar. It looked as though Solomon’s bear friend had succeeded at disguising the prince, but he wasn’t sure how effective it would be now that the admiral was involved. Jazdia was notably absent, and the look on Matilda’s face expressed just how aware of it she was. Her furrowed eyebrows as she glanced the room didn’t seem to offer any relief. Matilda asked of the samurai, and only then did Solomon also notice he was no longer present.

“That is a good question.” said Solomon, bewildered how it appeared no one noticed the samurai’s departure. He chuckled. The samurai seemed exhausted, but evidently not enough to sneak off as he did. Solomon’s demeanor then darkened. He turned to face Matilda. Something happened, and Solomon needed to act fast to try and rectify it. A new voice among the spirits of the dead rose among the choir, one of honor and regret. Was it Silas’ men? Another entity yet to have revealed itself? It felt unlikely, but with only one of his shadows watching the keep, it wouldn’t be impossible.

“I think I know where he could have gone. I’ll go ahead and retrieve him. With his speed and my shadows, we should catch up once you depart.” said Solomon. He didn’t want to incite potential panic, especially from the prince. Cedar might be of help, but given how close he was to the prince, it could be too risky. “I should be with back with you before you leave the city limits.”